Horticulture: Organizations

The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) is the world’s premier professional society for horticultural science. Founded in 1903, the mission of ASHS is to promote and encourage national and international interest in scientific research and education in horticulture in all its branches. The more than 2500 ASHS members in all 50 states and 60 countries around the world fulfill this mission by sharing the results of their research, teaching, and extension activities with their colleagues and humankind the world over.

Founded in 1893, the Botanical Society of America (BSA) is a "not-for-profit" 501 (c) (3) membership society whose mission is to: promote botany, the field of basic science dealing with the study and inquiry into the form, function, development, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants and their interactions within the biosphere. To accomplish this mission, the objectives of The Society are to: sustain and provide improved formal and informal education about plants; encourage basic plant research; provide expertise, direction, and position statements concerning plants and ecosystems; and foster communication within the professional botanical community, and between botanists and the rest of humankind through publications, meetings, and committees.

The Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists (SAAS) has been in existence since 1899 under various names. SAAS strives to forward the interests of Southern agriculture by bringing agricultural leaders in the educational field and industry together. The association instructs and trains individuals for the purpose of improving or developing their capabilities relating to educational activities in service to the public arena. SAAS also offers young scientists an opportunity to present papers resulting from their research, extension, or other efforts and to exchange knowledge with other leaders.

Founded in 1922, the non-profit American Horticultural Society (AHS) is one of the oldest member-based national gardening organizations in North America. The Society’s membership includes nearly 20,000 avid gardeners and horticultural professionals as well as numerous regional and national partner organizations. Through its educational programs, awards, and publications, the AHS connects people to gardening to help raise awareness of earth-friendly gardening practices, introduces children to plants, brings together leaders to address important national issues, and showcases the art and science of horticulture.

The American Society of Plant Biologists was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interests and growth of plant scientists in general. Over the decades the Society has evolved and expanded to provide a forum for molecular and cellular biology as well as to serve the basic interests of plant science.

Organized in 1935 to foster, encourage, and promote education and research in the field of plant taxonomy, to include those areas and fields of study that contribute to and bear upon taxonomy and herbaria.